Eight European Routes For Your Summer Holidays

When the summer holidays finally start there’s no better way to enjoy your freedom than to jump on a train or a bus and explore Europe. But, where in Europe should you go this summer? We selected our most popular European Routes For Your Summer Holidays including the hostels to stay on the way!

1. IBERIAN ADVENTURE
Sun & Fun in Portugal & Spain

Spain and Portugal are packed with beautiful cities and amazing beaches. If you love sun and fun this trip is for you. From surfing in Ericeira to pub crawls in Barcelona, waterfall hikes in Granada, and BBQs in Porto. You’ll find it all on this itinerary!

Route:

1. Porto – Cats Hostel Porto

2. Ericeira – WOT Surf Hostel

3. Lisbon – Oasis Backpackers

4. Lagos – Rising Cock Hostel

5. Faro – Casa D’Alagoa

6. Granada – Oasis Backpackers

7. Valencia – Purple Nest Hostel

8. Madrid – Cats Hostel Madrid

9. Bilbao – Latroupe Hostel

10. Barcelona – Kabul Party Hostel

Kick off your trip with some amazing wine and BBQs in Porto and take a train or bus to Ericeira, the most beautiful coastline in Portugal and the perfect place for surfing. After that, head to Lisbon, the Portuguese capital with its legendary yellow trams, amazing street art, and beer volleyball championships. Don’t miss out on two more mesmerizing Portuguese destinations – Lagos and Faro, both with their own uniqueness and atmosphere.

Head into Spain by train or bus to Granada to enjoy some hikes, delicious tapas, and beach days there. Head south to Valencia (try the local paellas) and then move on to explore the Spanish capital Madrid. The next destination on this route – Bilbao, famous for its art museums and excellent waves. After a few days of surfing go to Barcelona, where you’ll have some of the best nights out to finish your amazing trip!

2. MEDITERRANEAN ROUTE
The world’s most iconic coastlines in France & Italy.

If you’re looking for Roman History and iconic coastlines or just want to eat some delicious ice creams, this is the route for you. In France and Italy, the trains travel right beside the coast, which makes this easy route the perfect combination of dips in the sea and city sightseeing.

Route:

1. Marseille – Vertigo Vieux-Port Hostel
2. Nice – Villa Saint Exupery
3. Genova – Ostello Bello Genova
4. Rimini – Sunflower Beach Hostel
5. Rome – Ostello Bello Rome
6. Naples – Hostel of the Sun
7. Catania – Ostello Degli Elefanti

Start your trip on the French Riviera in Marseille from where you will take a train or bus to the colourful city of Nice. Try scuba diving in the crystal clear sea and throw in a quick visit to Monaco.
Continue your journey to Italy and head to Genova where you can enjoy the waters of the beautiful Gulf of Genoa. After a party stop in at the beach hostel in Rimini, Italy, and make your way to the ancient city of Rome where you will be amazed by the most stunning highlights at each corner of the street. You’ll get to see the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Vatican City and so much more. Catch a short train or bus ride to another amazing city: Naples, where you can go on kayak tours and ride a horse up to the Vesuvius volcano! Finish off your trip in Catania by exploring dreamy Sicily and chilling at the hostel’s epic rooftop.

3. Northern Italy Discovery Route.
Indulge yourself and discover the treasures of the North Italy destinations.

Travel North Italy and explore cities that have a great story to tell. From fashion capital and vibrant cities to cute old towns and spectacular landscapes. All that and many more are waiting for you on this route!

 

Route:

1. Milan – Ostello Bello Milan
2. Como – Ostello Bello Como
3. Florence – Ostello Bello Florence
4. Venice – Anda Hostel
5. Trieste – Hotello

Start your discovery of North Italy in Milan, the city of fashion, shopping, and magnificent landmarks. Como is the perfect place to visit after the vibrant city’s hustle. Enjoy the old town’s narrow streets and consider booking a boat trip on Lake Como – beautiful views and impressions are guaranteed. Next, head to Florence and get ready to be amazed by its architectural masterpieces and the cultural heritage of Tuscany. There is no need to explain the charm of Venice but it’s definitely worth a visit to feel the magic atmosphere of its canals, bridges, and gondolas. Finish your trip in authentic Trieste – enjoy the views of the Adriatic coast, try excellent seafood, and relax at the hostel’s panoramic terrace after your journey.

4. The Best of the East
Stray from the ordinary and explore the best destinations of the East.

A good thing to know is that these cities are generally much more affordable, so if you’re on a budget this route is for you. Especially knowing that most of the places will leave you speechless, such as Palaces in Vienna and the impressive architecture of Budapest.

Route:

1. Belgrade – Arkabarka Hostel
2. Ljubljana – Celica Hostel
3. Budapest – Mavericks Hostel
4. Vienna – St Christopher’s Vienna
5. Warsaw – Oki Doki Hostel

Start your trip by staying at an epic boathouse Hostel in Belgrade from where you can explore the city by river. Then catch the train or bus to Ljubljana and discover this historic city. Cheap beers and great night outs are guaranteed in Budapest where you have to try one of the escape rooms arranged by the hostel. Move on to the most homely hostel in Vienna to explore Schonbrunn Palace and the city’s classy city center. Finish off your trip in Warsaw and learn more about Polish history by joining the walking tour!

5. Central Europe
Stray from the ordinary and explore the best destinations of Central Europe.

From dancing the night away in Berlin to outdoor heaven Interlaken. This route is for adventurers who want more than beach holidays and are ready to cross borders!

Route:

1. Interlaken – Balmers Hostel
2. Milan – Ostello Bello Milan
3. Salzburg – Yoho Hostel
4. Munich – Euro Youth Hostel
5. Frankfurt – Five Elements Hostel
6. Berlin – Sunflower Hostel
8. Prague – Czech Inn

Kick off your trip in Interlaken, a Swiss town surrounded by the most incredible mountains ready to be explored. Pick one of the countless outdoor activities the hostel offers before you catch the train through the Alps to Milan and enjoy some amazing pizza and pasta. After getting a taste of Italy go to Salzburg, home of the Sound of Music. Then prepare for some good beer parties in Germany, that will be around all summer (yep, even before Oktoberfest). Explore Munich, Frankfurt, and Berlin to see the best of Germany. Finally, go to Prague, one of the most magical places in Eastern Europe to discover the city on one of the walking tours!

6. The North
Discover and adventure yourself in the northern lands.

See more of Scandinavia and its rough nature. Be prepared to meet the friendliest people who all speak perfect English (and look like models). From a real Swedish sauna in Stockholm to wandering around the colorful harbor in Copenhagen, if you want to adventure yourself in northern lands, this trip is for you.

Route:

1. Stockholm – City Backpackers Hostel
2. Copenhagen – Copenhagen Downtown
4. Berlin – Sunflower Hostel
3. Warsaw – Oki Doki Hostel

High up in the north of Europe lies Stockholm, an amazing city that is becoming more and more popular with backpackers. In case you’re afraid it will get cold, no worries because the hostel even has a sauna. Catch the train or bus to Copenhagen to enjoy long summer nights in the colorful harbor. When you’re ready for some good nights out (or festivals) make sure to go to Berlin. It’s one of the most fun routes in Europe as the train or the bus between Copenhagen and Berlin will go on a ferry(!). After Berlin get a taste of Eastern Europe in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, before you finish the trip.

7. The Islands
Stray from the ordinary and explore the best destinations of the Islands.

Get a taste of the UK with a trip to the islands. Find yourself in Irish pubs drinking your first ever real Guinness and wander over the Tower Bridge in London on your way to Big Ben.

Route:

1. Edinburgh – St. Christopher’s
2. London – St. Christopher’s The Village

Start your trip in Edinburgh, Scotland, where you will feel like you’re on the set of Harry Potter as stunning houses with massive chimneys will catch your attention straight away. If you’re lucky and it’s sunny, make sure to go for a hike at Arthur’s Seat before joining the pub crawl. Take the train or the bus down to London to explore this amazing city. See Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge and embrace the city’s unique atmosphere!

8. Flanders
Discover and adventure yourself in Flanders.

The perfect route to see a lot of beautiful cities without traveling long distances. From cycling along the canals in Amsterdam to walking down the Champs-Élysées toward the Eiffel Tower and exploring less-dynamic cities such as Bruges and Rotterdam.

Route:

1. Amsterdam – The Flying Pig Downtown
3. Rotterdam – The ROOM Hostel
4. Bruges – St. Christopher’s The Bauhaus

5. Brussels – Latroupe Grand Place
6. Paris – St. Christopher’s Canal Paris

We all know there’s no place like Amsterdam so start your trip at the incredible city. Enjoy the hostel’s walking tours to get to know the secret spots of the city to have a good night out. When you’re ready to see some modern architecture explore Rotterdam and look over the city from the Euromast. Then go into Belgium for Brussels for their Famous double fries and head up to Bruges for some traditional Belgian  beer(be careful because these beers are the best – and very strong). Finish your trip in Paris, the most charming city in Europe where you’ll get your free French breakfast before you explore the city with one of the free walking tours.